Staff Reporter
ALERT farmworkers at Farm Eden, one of the most remote but iconic farms in the Otjozondjupa Region, prevented rhino poaching in the area, subsequently leading to the arrest of three suspected poachers.
The male suspects, aged between 45 and 49, were apprehended in the Otjituuo area of the Grootfontein magisterial district after the farmworkers tipped off the police in time.
The workers at Farm Eden spotted fresh shoeprints and promptly alerted the police. Police officers and members of the Blue Rhino Task Force tracked the spoor and apprehended the suspects, whose attempt to flee proved futile. In the process, one of the suspects was shot and wounded in the buttocks.
According to the police, the suspected poachers were found with one hunting rifle and the respective ammunition, as well as six knives, three backpacks with food and clothes, and three cellphones.
The arrested suspects face charges of illegal possession of arms and ammunition, conspiracy to commit the crime of illegal hunting of rhinoceros, and organized crime. A case of attempted murder has also been registered against the officer who shot one of the suspects, but no arrest has been made.
Leave a Reply